MADISON – Madison City Council has approved for SS Madison LLC to build a $27-million project for 140 to 160 loft-style apartment units and retail shops on six acres on Sullivan Street (at former site of Clanton Muffler) in downtown Madison.

The apartments will be similar to Belk Hudson Lofts in downtown Huntsville, according to Madison City Administrator Taylor Edge.

For this development, Kyser Boulevard would be extended east across Sullivan Street to connect to the development at a cost of $1.1 million; a traffic light will be added. To accommodate the street extension, the Huntsville Utilities substation on Sullivan Street will be relocated to Kyser Boulevard at a cost of $800,000.

In addition, the neighborhood park for Home Place subdivision will be converted to a parking lot for expected retail customers. A new, western entrance/exit will be added for Madison City Schools Stadium.

The Madison Planning Commission must approve all of this construction.

Mayor Paul Finley announced that Taylor Edge will leave the position of City Administrator at the end of 2017. Edge will pursue other career interests away from City Hall. Marc Jacobson, former city councilman, will start to work as City Administrator in early 2018.

Fire Chief David Bailey congratulated Madison Fire and Rescue Department personnel who had earned promotions. Captain Melvin Malone and drivers Kevin Bailey, John Gallaway and Matt Rodgers received pins from family members. “Firefighting is a family commitment,” Bailey said.

Bill payments included these larger amounts:

* Holzheimer Bolek & Meehan — Architectural and engineering services for Madison Public Library, $13,974.94.

* Arizon Company — Second payment on air-supported pool dome for Dublin Park, $102,099.30.

* Harmon Engineering & Contracting Co. — Engineering and design for fueling station, $6,840.00.

* Pearce Construction Co. — AMH system for Madison Public Library, $100,400.

* Miller & Miller — Curbs and roadway work for Downtown Streetscape Phase III, $139,901.80.

Finley said another community meeting about Three Springs residential treatment facility, 1329 Browns Ferry Road, on Nov. 28 will continue talks with the management company, Sequel TSI.

The city annexed property at 7709 U.S. 72 and Rainbow Circle, along with the southwest corner of Powell and Burgreen roads. Council approved an increased lodging tax from 7 percent and $1 per room, per night to 9 percent and $2 per room, per night.

Mary Beth Broeren, director of planning and economic development, received approval to rezone property in Town Madison to “Urban Center District.” This resolution does not involve construction. District 3 Councilman Teddy Powell and District 6 Councilman Gerald Clark voted against the ordinance.

Opposing the ordinance, Richard Brown of Mountain Brook said his neighborhood floods from earthmoving at Town Madison. He said council “has been snookered by the developer” and ‘spot zoning’ is accommodating a specific developer. “Citizens of Mountain Brook and Edgewater are going to lose property value,” Brown said.

Carrie Brown of Mountain Brook said Madison refused to build a multi-use facility in recent months but now wants to build a stadium. She questioned if Madison can support minor league baseball if Mobile could not. Richard Allen of Edgewater said Madison does not have the population or draw to support a baseball team.

Mike McKay was among three residents expressing support to lure a minor-league baseball team, to develop Town Madison and to build a multi-use facility.

The city will pay $44,660 to Turner Construction Co. for a schematic design and value engineering for a multi-use venue.